In this news alert:

TAIWAN – Philippine Nationals Visa-Exempt from 1 November 2017

Effective 1 November 2017, qualifying Philippine nationals can travel to Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 14 days, for tourism, business, visiting relatives, or attending functions or events. The visa waiver scheme will run for an initial nine-month trial period, until 31 July 2018.

Those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for other purposes such as study or work, are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify, a visitor must have:

A Philippine ordinary passport, valid for at least than six months from the entry date;

An onward or return air or sea ticket (with a valid visa for the next destination if required);

Transition Arrangements

Currently, Philippine national visitors must obtain an e-visa or a Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) before travel, allowing stays of up to 30 days, or a consular visa.

Philippine nationals who have already entered Taiwan with a valid TAC or e-visa by 1 November 2017 may continue their stay for up to 30 days.

Unused e-visas and consular visas will still be valid after 1 November 2017.

However, TACs which are unused as of 1 November 2017 will no longer be valid.

Background

This visa waiver trial extends Taiwan’s strategy of strengthening economic relationships with South and Southeast Asian countries, known as the “New Southbound Policy”, introduced on 1 August 2016. See our previous alerts on this here and here.

Action Items

Philippine nationals intending to travel to Taiwan for business from 1 November 2017 should check whether they meet the qualifying criteria for visa-free entry.

Philippine national holders of valid Travel Authorization Certificates for Taiwan should note that they will become invalid if not used to enter Taiwan before 1 November 2017.